Dynever takes Texas route

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas - While Dynever may not be as well known as some of the 3-year-olds who competed in last week's Kentucky Derby, he is on the brink of getting the chance to meet many of his more famous peers.

Dynever figures to be heavily favored when he attempts to use Saturday's Grade 3, $500,000 Lone Star Derby as a springboard to next month's Belmont Stakes. The 1 1/8-mile Lone Star Derby is the richest stakes of the Lone Star meet.

Dynever will break from post 5 in a field of 13 that also includes California Derby winner Mr. Technique, Rebel winner Crowned King, and Most Feared, Crowned Dancer, and Leo's Last Hurrahy, who all won stakes last year at 2.

Dynever is perfect in two starts around two turns, and possesses a formidable turn of foot. In his last start, he showed tremendous acceleration in the stretch to beat Supah Blitz by 3 1/4 lengths in the $250,000 Aventura at Gulfstream on April 5.

"I thought he was very impressive," said Christophe Clement, who trains Dynever. "And he galloped out very strongly. The farther he goes, the better."

Dynever, who will be making his first start at 1 1/8 miles, has been pointed for the Lone Star Derby since the Aventura.

Dynever has a versatile running style. He closed from seventh in the Aventura, but one start earlier, when he won his maiden by 8 1/4 lengths, he was much closer to the pace.

"He doesn't have a style, as such," said Clement.

Edgar Prado has the mount on Dynever.

Mr. Technique figures to launch a late bid. He closed from last to win the $100,000 California Derby at Bay Meadows in his most recent start on April 12.

"We feel like he's a better one-run horse," said Jeff Bonde, who trains Mr. Technique.

The California Derby was at the same distance as the Lone Star Derby.

"He likes the mile and an eighth," said Bonde. "He's training very well for this race. He worked three quarters in [1:12.40 on April 30], and came home the last quarter in 23 [seconds] and change. I feel he's sitting on a good race."

Mr. Technique will be ridden by Roberto Gonzalez.

A locally based horse who will offer betting value is Defrere's Vixen, who finished fifth in the Grade 2, $750,000 Louisiana Derby.

"He has always been a pretty fast horse, and has run some nice races against some good company," said his trainer, Steve Asmussen.